Info-Bits May 2013

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www.byteback.org | 202.529.3395

ble of Contents

yte Back Students

eak to the DC City

ouncil

udents Gathered to

lebrate the Spring

aduates

ccess Story: Ugenia

hnson

lunteer of the Month:

omas Thornton

ve Questions with an

structor: Lydia

nderbilt

me Words from Our

udents

utcomes for 2012rtification Students

pcoming Events

lunteer Opportunities

Byte Backs Online Newsletter | May 2013

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By: Jessica Bates, Communications Associate

When our students work together, they canaccomplish amazing things. On March 20,we found out that the stimulus money thatwe were expecting wasnt sufficient to payfor the spring term set to begin April 22.After our students learned of the situation,they immediately went into action on our

behalf and worked hard to make sure their voices were heard at one of the city coun-cils budget hearings.

The DC City Councils Committee on Ed-ucation held a hearing on May 10 th to determine next years budget for the DC PublicLibrary. Our students wrote and submitted 16 written testimonies to the council, con-vincing them of the importance of the Byte Back library classes. They shared their ownexperiences, spoke about what theyd learned in their classes, and implored the councilto allocate the necessary funds to continue these classes.

In addition to the written testimonies, four of our students testified in front of the coun-cil: Lavon Williams, Michael Myers, Lauretta Harding, and Aminta Cabrera. They em-

phasized the impact that Byte Back has had on their own lives, the safety and conven-

ience of the library locations, and the need for further computer training in our commu-nity. Executive Director Kelley Ellsworth spoke to the council about the measurable benefits of these classes and the importance of the partnership between Byte Back andthe DC Public Libraries.

Not only did our studentswrite and speak on our behalf,many more students came tothe hearing to show their sup-

port. We also received con-

cerned emails and phone callsfrom students, who simplywanted to tell us how muchthey appreciated the chancethey had to attend a Byte Back library class.

As a direct result of our stu-dents actions, the committee

Byte Back Students Speak to the DC City Council

Byte Back students Michael Myers, Lauretta Har-ding, and Lavon Williams.

Byte Back students wait for the hearing to begin.
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Byte Back students, volunteers, and staff in the John A. Wilson Building.

learned of the need to continue to fund computer classes at district libraries. On May 17, we found out that theCommittee on Education reallocated funding to the DC Public Library budget for computer training. Thismoney isnt specifically for Byte Back classes, but we are happy that the City Council has prioritized computer training for our district. We want to thank the City Councils Committee on Education, including CommitteeChair David Catania and Councilmembers David Grosso, Tommy Wells, Yvette Alexander, and Marion Barryfor taking care of the education needs of our community.

The Byte Back staff would like to thank every student who helped make this happen. Youve ensured that D.C.residents will continue to receive vital computer training in a safe and welcoming environment.

MAY 2013 INFO -BITS


By: Andrea Mack, Computer Instructor

On April 26 th, Byte Back held its winter graduation to celebrate the accomplishments of Office Track and IC3 stu-dents. As 132 guests arrived at the Catholic University audi-torium, Byte Back staff and volunteers escorted them totheir seats. On one side of the room sat the friends and fami-ly members of students. On the other side sat excited stu-dents anxious to walk up on stage and receive their certifi-cates of completion and become Byte Back Office Track and IC3 graduates.

Each semester, Byte Back invites graduation speakers whorepresent the community we serve as well as individuals andorganizations that help support Byte Backs mission. Thissemesters graduation speakers included: Robert Mancini,D.C.s Chief Technology Officer; LaNeta Banks, OfficeTrack graduate; Kenneth Brown, Office Track graduate; Ashley Luttmer, director of volunteer services at ByteBack; Hanna Pillion, community volunteer; Michelle Nusum, development manager at the International RescueCommittee; and Jonathon Ladson, computer refurbisher at First Time Technology, Byte Backs new computer

Students Gathered to Celebrate the Spring Graduates

Students gathered watch the graduation ceremony.

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MAY 2013 INFO -BITS


refurbishing program.

Each of the speakers brought a unique set of experiences about their work within the Byte Back community. Chief Technology Officer Rob-ert Mancini spoke about the role of technology in the job market, a top-ic that was especially relevant to our recent graduates. Kenneth Browngave a presentation on the interior design and renovation business hesstarted through Enterprise DC, the entrepreneurship program that ByteBack has developed in partnership with WACIF. He showed examplesof his work and spoke passionately about the artistry and care that each

project demands.

Lorena Holguin, aByte Back in-structor, particu-larly enjoyed

LaNeat Banks presentation. LaNeat shared the story of how shes changed her life by taking Byte Back classes,changing her exercise habits, and becoming more spiritu-ally mindful. Lorena said She was by far my favorite,

but I could be biased because she was my student. Allthe Byte Back instructors appreciated the opportunity tosee and congratulate their recent and former students.Weve seen firsthand how much our students have ac-complished since their first day in PC for Beginners.

All of the Byte Back staff and volunteers worked hard to make the graduation a success. Andrew Quilpa wasthe master of ceremonies, Lorena Holguin and Cristina Moscoso were the event photographers, and FeliciaHawkins procured the food for the reception. Other staff and volunteers served as ushers, handed out certifi-cates, directed guests to the building, and helped with setup and cleanup.

Pictures were taken. Hugs were exchanged. Cake was served. Byte Back pulled off another successful gradua-tion. Congratulations to the graduates of Byte Backs winter 2013 term!

Byte Backs newest graduates!

Chief Technology Officer Robert Mancini spoke tothe Byte Back graduates.

Students and volunteers celebrate the end of the winter term.
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By: Jessica Bates, Communications Associate

Ugenia Johnson can look at skein of yarn and see a potential work of art. Every time I pick up a needle or yarn I never know what whatsgoing to come out, she said. I get so excited wondering what thefinished product will look like. As a participant in Enterprise DC, anentrepreneurship program created through a partnership between ByteBack and WACIF, Ms. Johnson is developing her love of knitting intoher own knitted garment business, I - Ninth.

Creativity runs in Ms. Johnsons family. Her mother used to sew fam-ily clothes using patterns shed cut out of paper bags. Her godmother taught her to crochet when she was little, and she learned to knit after enrolling in the arts and crafts program at a D.C. recreation center when she was 15.

In 2005, Ms. Johnson began knitting more seriously and she sold afew pieces to friends and family. She was introduced to Byte Back last summer when she brought her son to our Summer Youth Tech-nology Sampler, and when she heard about Enterprise DC she decid-ed to turn her passion for knitting into a business.

Since beginning the program, Ms. Johnson has taken Office Track and Access and she is currently enrolledin QuickBooks. Enterprise DC has opened her eyes to how to properly manage a successful business; her new skills range from how to construct a business plan to how to properly track her products. The Accessclass gave us great insight into how to create lists, to track inventory, and create order forms, she said. I

just thought youd put your information into Excel and keep on going, but as the business grows you needsomething that can keep up. Shes grateful that shes learning these lessons now, so she will be ready whenshe starts her business.

Ms. Johnson has recently started a position as a project - based paralegal for a local corporation. Shes workedas a paralegal previously, but shes enjoying putting her computer skills back into action. In addition to her work and her studies, Ms. Johnson is being mentored by a sales and marketing associate and working hardon her knitting. She plans to debut her first fashion show for I - Ninth in the fall. Her style is best described asfunky and contemporary and shes dedicated to creating vibrant, clean lines that you can wear all year round. In addition to selling her fall line, she plans to expand her business in other ways such as training

people how to use a commercial knitting machine.

Ugenia Johnson is confident that with her new skills her business will be a success, and shes ready for what-evers next. Im happy because I get to do what I love for free, she said. And Im free to do it!

To read a spotlight article on another Enterprise DC student, Kenneth Brown, visit: http://www.elevationdcmedia.com/features/EnterpriseDCClasses_051413.aspx

Success Story: Ugenia Johnson

Ugenia Johnson models one of her own crea-tions.
mailto:[email protected]://www.elevationdcmedia.com/features/EnterpriseDCClasses_051413.aspxhttp://www.elevationdcmedia.com/features/EnterpriseDCClasses_051413.aspxhttp://www.elevationdcmedia.com/features/EnterpriseDCClasses_051413.aspxhttp://www.elevationdcmedia.com/features/EnterpriseDCClasses_051413.aspxhttp://www.elevationdcmedia.com/features/EnterpriseDCClasses_051413.aspxmailto:[email protected]

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By: Erica Heller, Volunteer Coordinator

Thomas Thornton is new to the Byte Back community, but that doesntmean hes wasted any time getting involved. As a current student takingOffice Track, Thomas has jumped in full force with the Byte Back com-munity, volunteering all day for our 7th Annual Community Computer Day. Community Computer Day is a great opportunity for our staff, volun-teers, board members, and students to work together in a new way, andThomas dedication and hard work made him a member of the Byte Back team.

The passion Thomas has for giving back is evident in his upbeat demean-or. When asked about his favorite part of helping out, Thomas replied,There was no favorite part, it was the whole thing. Meeting people, work-ing on the grill, helping set up. Everything that I was able to do the

smiles on peoplesfaces.

Thomas is a Maryland native who was raised in D.C., and heworked for the federal government for nearly 24 years. He

plans to continue to take classes at Byte Back while lookingfor work. Despite the adversity he has faced in his lifetime, heenjoys giving back: Anything I can do to try to help the com-munity out, thats what Im here trying to do.

At Byte Back, we love it when our students become volun-

teers and Thomas is no exception. Thank you, Thomas for allyour hard work!

Volunteer of the Month: Thomas Thornton

Thomas Thornton worked hard at the grill onCommunity Computer Day.

MAY 2013 INFO -BITS


Interview By: Andrea Mack, AmeriCorps Instructor

Q: What has been your favorite moment as a Byte Back instructor?

A: Seeing students help each other, especially when they become friends while takingthe class.

Q: What is your favorite lesson or concept to teach, and why?

A: Excel, especially formulas and functions because it is a really great skill and pro-gram to use. Its got practical real world applications for students.

Q: What do you like best about living in the D.C. area?

A: I like all of the free stuff the Archive, the National Mall, and the National Arboretum. I also like theMetro, especially the train.

Q: What do you most hope to convey to the students you work with?

A: I really want them to know that what we teach is a base and with it they can go on to do a lot more if they put their own time and dedication into it.

Five Questions with an Instructor: Lydia Vanderbilt

Lydia Vanderbilt

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Some Words from Our Students At the end of class, each student fills out a survey. Below are some responses from students who participated in our fall classes.

I appreciate my teacher being so kind and patient with me and making me feel confident.

You have very comfortable learning environment. Thank you!

It is good experience for students to gain skill and to be productive in the job market.

THANKS for the opportunity to experience a successful training for the future. The pleasure was an enjoya- ble instructor and dedicated students to make the program a rewarding experience. KUDOS to Byte Back. Imay consider volunteering after I perfect my skills.

I love this company & appreciate the commitment to excellence of everyone associated.

This class was perfect for me. It helped me to understand all those little things I had questions about such assaving files and making folders. THANK YOU Byte Back for this opportunity.

I enjoyed the class so much and I love my teacher.

Thank you to Byte Back for offering the classes. I had very little experience with todays tech or computers, but with each and every class I am feeling more & more empowered. I am anxious to learn Office Track.Again, thank you for the opportunity.

At 26, Byte Back has helped me complete a simple task and secure the needed skills to help me move into my

future career...as a business owner. I hope and pray that funding continues for this project. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity. This expe-rience is valuable, and I appreciate it. Once I get established, I will be willing to donate to the cause.

How do you say thanks, to have learned so much?

Outcomes for 2012 Certification Students We recently gathered completion, certification and employment rates for those students who took certification courses with us

in 2012. Please note that some courses have only recently ended, and these students are still studying for certification examsand are only just beginning their job searches.

In total, students enrolled in 135 certification course slots , with some students taking more than one certifi-cation course.

In total, 114 completed their course (84.4% ). The completion rates were highest for A+ students (91.7%) andlowest for MCITP and Security+ students (both at 80%).

Students passed a total of 116 industry -recognized certification exams and received forty full certifica-tions.

Q: Whats the most valuable skill you've learned or improved upon by being an AmeriCorps at Byte Back?

A: I think the most valuable skill I've built is learning to create effective lesson plans to make sure that the stu-dents get all of the knowledge they need.

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Tours of Byte Back Would you like a guided tour of Byte Back? For more information and to arrange atour, please contact Development Associate Cristina Moscoso at [email protected] or by calling (202)529 -3395.

Upcoming Events

"Volunteering is the most effective means to give back to your community and to continue to develop thehuman spirit."

- Ted Frazier, volunteer instructor If you're interested in volunteering with Byte Back, please contact Ashley Luttmer, Byte Backs director of volunteer services, at [email protected] or (202) 529 -3395.

Volunteer Opportuni es

www byteback org | 202 529 3395

MAY 2013 INFO -BITS

We want to thank everyone who attended our spring fundraiser, Breakfast Bytes, and made it such a success!

Wed especially like to thank our table captains for all their support:

Thank You, Byte Back Supporters! Byte Back offers our heartfelt thanks to our supporters. We are deeply appreciative of the support they give us. Their

contributions make our successes possible.

Adam Weers Aimee Occhetti

Carine Umuzayire

Chevelle Glymph

Cristina Moscoso

Dahlia Shaewitz

Dorothy Weiss

Edan Lichtenstein Eleanor Grewal

Ingeborg Holt

Jewel Scott

Julius Ware II

Keith Clark

Kelley Ellsworth

Linda Esah Lisa Haidara

Mario Burney

Marjorie Dick Stewart

Perry Hooks

Ron Hulen

Sam Hochgraf

Steven Seiden Terry Johnson

Valarie Ashley

Victoria Baecher Wassmer

About Byte Back Founded in 1997, Byte Back seeks to improve economic opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area by providing computer literacyand job training for disadvantaged communities. Byte Back offers courses ranging from basic computer literacy to Microsoft Officeto internationally recognized computer certification preparation. Byte Back is licensed by the DC Educational Licensure Commis-sion as a postsecondary educational institution.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nonprofitadvancement.org/PostAward2010http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/cfpdc/nonprofit-detail.php?id=94481mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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